Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Candidate - Office of the Provincial Controller Division (Opcd)

Attention Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Ontario Candidates!

The Office of the Provincial Controller (OPCD) is seeking to add new talent to its already dynamic finance community of professionals, who proudly deliver financial analysis and services that enable the achievement of government priorities and business results. Bring your valued financial expertise to these important roles and help us enable our clients to reach ministry goals and commitments through quality planning and financial services that add value, and are responsive and accurate.

The OPCD CPA pre-approved program enables CPA candidates to acquire practical experience, one of the key components needed for CPA designation eligibility. The program also provides an efficient clear path for learning and mentorship.

The successful job candidates will be required to be registered with CPA Ontario and be eligible for enrolment in or be already enrolled in CPA Ontario's Professional Education Program (PEP). Over a period of 32 months, the CPA candidate will undertake tasks and projects designed to build the technical and enabling competencies required of an entry-level CPA. You will be given responsibilities in financial reporting, management accounting, assurance and audit, and strategy and governance of increasing complexity and autonomy as aligned with CPA Canada's 2022 Competency Map.

At the conclusion of the 32-month contract position, you will have completed the practical experience requirements for CPA designation eligibility.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

The CPA Candidate will rotate through each branch in the Office of the Provincial Controller Division (OPCD) over 32 months, undertaking tasks and projects designed to build the technical and enabling competencies required of an entry-level CPA. You can expect it to include the following activities with increasing complexity and autonomy:

• financial reporting
• management accounting
• audit and assurance
• strategy and governance

In addition to directly reporting to OPCD managers/supervisors, twice a year (at a minimum) you will meet with an assigned CPA mentor who will provide guidance, and assess your progress on building CPA enabling competencies.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

The successful candidates for these positions must be registered with CPA Ontario and be eligible for enrolment in, or be already enrolled in, CPA Ontario's Professional Education Program (PEP). You can determine if you are eligible for enrolment in CPA Ontario's graduate level Professional Education Program (PEP) by visiting CPA Ontario's website and/or contacting CPA Ontario.

Financial and accounting knowledge

• you have knowledge of financial and accounting theories, principles, and practices, particularly in the government environment
• you can apply your knowledge of Chartered Professional Accountants Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, including Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) recommendations
• you have knowledge supporting selected CPA competencies, which include: financial reporting, audit and assurance, strategy and governance, and management accounting
• you can demonstrate the ability to interpret policy and ensure compliance to legislation, including the Financial Administration Act

Communication and consultation skills

• you can provide advice and guidance to line ministries on accounting and internal control policies, budget calendarization requirements, and procedures
• you can respond to issues, provide recommendations, prepare reports, option papers, briefing materials, and correspondence
• you can present briefings and recommend solutions to line ministries regarding risk analysis, variance analysis (budget, forecast and actuals), and financial management plans
• you can demonstrate consulting, advisory and influencing skills
• you have computer operation skills and can demonstrate proficiency with standard desktop software and tools to participate in projects, prepare reports and presentations

Interpersonal and relationship management skills

• you demonstrate the ability to exchange information and build and maintain effective working relationships
• you can liaise with representatives from other areas within and external to the enterprise
• you have relationship management, collaboration and consensus-building skills
• you demonstrate judgment skills

Analytical, research and project management skills

• you can demonstrate the ability to assess information and provide advice to senior management on accounting and financial reporting issues
• you have the ability to review, monitor and assess all ministries' Certificate of Assurance submissions, which identify ministry compliance with OPS internal control requirements
• you can analyze financial issues/risks/problems, variance reports and funding shortfalls and formulate and recommend solutions
• you can manage project milestones and consult with internal and external project partners to support the achievement of objectives